View source for 4988/A Pleasant Forge Visit

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/01/06
|Location=Aselia
|Synopsis=Toph and Sokka drop by Lloyd's forge. Sokka gets some training, Gnome shows up and shovels people, and much teasing is had.
|Cast of Characters=373, 20, 1076
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The former General and current Paladin was working up a storm in his forge this day, the ring of metal on metal sounding through the trees surrounding his home. Birds fly off at the sound, but it doesn't let up at all. A courier arrived and left a package outside the forge building, peering at the door for a moment before dashing off again. It's not until quite a time later that the ringing stops, and the door opens with a burst of smoke. He glances down at the box, noting it was from Toph and placing it on an empty table inside. He's drenched in sweat, but he seems pleased with himself nonetheless, carrying two small boxes in his hands. He pulls up a spot on the bench outside, setting the boxes down beside him as he stares into the sky. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh," he says, "Nice day." A warm breeze blows through the air, sun shining over the forested landscape and casting shadows all about. It's one of the things he really enjoys about home, and it's clear as he closes his eyes and falls into a strange, sitting rest.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Sokka had suggested that they should go here, Toph was a bit uncertain at first, but then again, it's not difficult for Sokka to talk her into doing this. After all, he does get certain priviledges now, like dragging her along and telling her that it will be fine.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even if she's not looking forward to any teasing that she fears she will hear in Lloyd's voice.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least the weather /is/ nice, and the walk to the forge isn't bad at all. The area is nice, the air is clean, the birds and wildlife are skittering all about. A perfect place to walk hand in hand with the boy you like. At least until they reach the forge, that is. As they near it Toph moves to let go of Sokka's hand, as she's able to 'see' that Lloyd is seated outside. Once they are in clear view though, Toph raises her hand and offers a wave. "Yo, Angel Boy." What's he been working on today?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka has ALWAYS dragged Toph around and it been fine. Just now there was often more oogies while they waited. Or cuddling when they were on a boat or something. Really, all in all, not much had changed except for kissies. They'd always cuddled.<br><br> Okay, maybe Sokka SHOULD have noticed sooner. <br><br> And yes, he had come to get some training in. He let her hand go when she left him. Awww, sad face. He then glanced up. "Hey! Ironing!" ... Lloyd Irvene. Lloyd Ironing. Shut up it was funny. He gave a quick wave. "So, I finally talked things out with Toph." Grinned. "Worked things out, but she gets custody of the paladins in event of a breakup, I only get visitation rights on the weekends," he joked.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd starts as he hears footsteps approaching, a glint of panic in his eyes and a racing thumping of his heart. Toph would immediately register a fleeting fear, and Sokka might notice the flash of terror before his face breaks into a wide smile. "Oh, hey there you two!" he says, standing back up and stretching. He looked tired, but seemed energetic enough. "Good to see you," he says, offering a nod toward Sokka as he speaks up. "Eh... needs work. I can see what you were going for, but it wasn't... refined." He lets it hang without so much as a chuckle, smiling instead and nodding again. "I can see that. I'm glad to see it. Now I can finally say tell you. Hey Sokka, Toph has a crush on you." He crosses his arms, rolling his shoulders as he does. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, I thought it might work out, so I made you both something," he says, turning back and picking up the boxes. He offers one to each of them, speaking up again. "I don't really get a chance to do pieces like this these days, but I think they came out alright." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If they were to open the metal boxes, they would find that each holds a bracelet. Toph's is made of White Silver, the design of the band invoking the thought of lapping waves. Toph might be able to feel the subtle waves in the metal, and the centerpiece is an Aquamarine. Sokka's is made of Black Silver, designed with stylistic stalactites and stalagmites. The material seemed less shiny that Toph's, the Black Silver infused with earth provided by Gnome centered with a Ruby. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"To be honest," he says, "if this HADN'T worked out, I dunno what I would've done with those."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The silly nickname Sokka has for Lloyd makes Toph snort slightly, and she keeps up with Sokka as they walk up to Lloyd. And of course Sokka has to make another joke, and one about how they patched things up after the brief hitch in their friendship. "At least you get the TV," she jokes. "Not my car though, I got that one years ago." Even if she'll never drive it!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Lloyd decides to be funny and 'tell' Sokka about her crush, the blind teenager snorts, blowing some hair away from her face as she crosses her arms over her chest. "You really /were/ itching to say that, huh..." Oh yes, there is some colour to her cheeks. But not that bad, actually. She does look curious when he holds out the boxes to them however, blinking. Though with her ability to sense earth and metal around her, she already seems to know what's inside the box as she opens it. Yet she's able to get a closer look when she opens it and can actually touch the bracelet inside. "You... made us semi-matching bracelets," she comments. And yes, she's able to tell that she got an aquamarine stone in hers, and that there's a ruby in Sokka's. That colour in her cheeks isn't going away just yet, and Toph does nod as she moves to put the bracelet on since she assumes Sokka will be all crazy about this.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka gasped! A hand going over his chest. "WHAT?! Toph has a crush on me?! I don't believe it! Toph, did you know this?" he asked, giving her a little grin. Oh, he probably deserved to get punched for that. "Hmmm?" <br><br> "Yeah. But you'll still take me for drives, right? we went right through the market earlier, wasawesome." No they didn't. But he wanted to see if Lloyd jumped. "Lots of screaming."<br><br> He opened it and... "Hey, awesome! I used to make stuff like this a lot, too!" He glanced to Toph's arm to a special piece he'd made ages ago. "You know, I think this will go perfectly with a pair of those clothes I got earlier. Apparently they're called skinny jeans. The lady said they were all the rage."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd snickers softly, nodding a bit. "Oh yeah, just couldn't wait to get that off my chest," he says, before moving toward the clearing outside the forge. His swords are on his waist, and he draws them in a flash. "Right... You didn't hurt anyone, right? I mean, the paperwork for the market is already going to be a nightmare, especially if I tell Stadler. He likes triplicate." His eyes gleam, calling the obvious bluff. He then gestures toward Sokka with one of his blades. "You practiced that arte at all, Sokka?" he asks, smiling brightly, "Because I want to see you do that by the time you head out today. Toph, you might get a kick out of this." He rolls his shoulders again. "Do you need another demonstration first, or will your latent talent carry you through again?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For that Sokka gets a punch to the arm! Toph does look semi-amused though. "All I know is that your skull is thicker than granite," she comments. "If we /did/ take a drive in the car you wouldn't need a helmet at least. And relax, he's joking in case you couldn't tell," she assures Lloyd.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As expected Sokka is all about the jewelry. The armlet from the leftover space earth that Sokka used for his spacesword is still on Toph's upper left arm, as she seldom doesn't wear it. Unlike Sokka she doesn't care much for mixing and matching, but hey, if he wants to have something that goes well, then fine by her, he's the one with the seeing eyes.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So Lloyd wants to train with Sokka... fine by her! Toph moves to sit down on the bench, her left hand touching the bracelet as it rests around her right wrist. "So what kinda move is this anyway?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka nodded, drawing his sword. "Of course. I've been practicing and I think I have it down. I'm having a bit of trouble with the landing, but..." He took a deep breath And then got into his stance. "Toph, stand by. HIYA!" he yelled, before jumping spinning and... HE GOT IT! He actually bloody got-- Oh dear. <br><br> He landed, alright, even on his feet, buuuut... his momentum carried hi mthrough. He stumbled forward, spun a bit and then... BAM! Slammed RIGHT into Toph, body checking her out of the bench and knocking them both to the ground. <br><br> He laid there a moment, cringing. "Ow. That hurt li--" <br><br> He then stared down. And his cheeks turned scarlet as he stared. "Err... T-toph? You okay? You uhhh... make a nice landing cushion." Diffuse with a joke! It didn't work!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd chuckles, watching the two with a bemused expression. It was adorable watching them interact, but he did have to maintain some air of professionalism instead of just teasing them constantly. "All but the landing, huh? That's one of the most important parts, you know. But feel free. The floor is yours." He sheathes his blades and stands aside, giving Sokka plenty of room to work. "It's called Tempest, Toph! Try to focus on Sokka's sword and you'll understand why," he adds, smiling. Sokka launches into the air, and his technique is good! Lloyd nods a bit, then shakes his head and softly facepalms as he goes careening into Toph. "And that right there is why." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He shakes his head, placing his hands on his hilts. "I mean, if you just wanted to be that close to Toph, you could've just said no, you know."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Content with 'watching' the training for now, Toph gets comfy on the bench. And huh, seems like Sokka put a lot of force into that spinning jump or whatever it is he's doing. Perhaps it would have been easier for her if she had working eyes, but the moment Sokka stumbles, falling forwards, Toph's eyes widen. She /could/ get an earth pillar up, but then there's the risk of it actually hitting Sokka in the head, and... too late! Just before Sokka crashes into her the blind earthbender throws her arms up, and the ground behind them softens into sand, just in time to dampen their fall even as Toph lands first with Sokka on top of her. Even if the ground was softened, she does wince... and reaches up to hit Sokka over the head. "Watch it next time, Meat Head!" And then she mutters. "Be glad I didn't give you a rock cushion to land on..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As for Lloyd's comment? "We've always been close, even back when we were just friends... it's not like that has changed!" she protests. Except now she doesn't feel quite as embarrassed when he does decide to snuggle with her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka gulped and quickly got back to his feet, his cheeks burning bright red. "R-right. Y-yeah. I ummm, o-of course. I, err, I-I think I've mostly got the hang of it. I just need to ask that... well... errr... w-what's the point of it? I mean, it seems, err, very... air bendery," he said finally, occasionally glancing back to Toph. <br><br> "I can see it being a decent way to get behind someone. But it requires a lot of energy and really leaves you exposed when you're over them. I'd never wanna use it against a fire bender. and wouldn't going around them be more efficient?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd smirks, "Right, right," he says in a teasing tone, but lets her comment go without further dispute. He's more concerned about addressing Sokka's question. In answer, he draws his swords again and falls into his stance. "Not only is it good for mobility and damage should you catch an opponent in the right situation, the repositioning allows for following up with different techniques. Such as... this one." He flies into the buzzsaw Tempest attack, landing on the ground slightly hunched. Before he even seems like he should be steady, he twists on his heel, blades slashing around him as his shoulder juts forward. He doesn't call out this attack, but it sort of announces itself. A lion's head, made of blue and white mana, bursts from his shoulder, complete with a vicious sounding snarl. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's more of a setup technique, but it can be used in advanced forms as well. ONCE, of course, you stick the landing without cuddling your girlfriend."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For now Toph gets back on her feet, then kicks the ground to bend the sand off of her clothes, then another kick to turn the ground back into earth again. She listens to the explanation Lloyd gives, 'watches' his demonstration of the move, and she nods. Well, that makes sense, doing it like that.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet she lets out a huff when he comments on how Sokka landed.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka nodded, watching him. Then... stared. "I don't think I can do the lion thing. I mean, it's cool and all. But I don't really have any of the magic stuff. Though I guess it's an interesting technique to learn. Can you help me learn to better stick the landing?" he asked with a smile. <br><br> He then moved away from him, his cheeks burning a little more and, once again, attempting the move. He... almost sticks the landing. He doesn't fall into Toph. Instead he stumbles head over heels, landing on his back with a pained off. <br><br> "I'm beginning to suspect you taught me this one next just so you could see me get hurt."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd chuckles at Toph's huff, waving his hand. "Let me have my fun. I won't get too much a chance before it doesn't bother you anymore, you know?" He watches Sokka attempt the Tempest again, this time slipping and falling backwards. He shakes his head as he sheathes his blades, walking over to help Sokka back up. "No, I taught it to you because I think you can make good use of it. You seem like a creative fighter, and Tempest is a creative arte. Now, the secret in the landing is to flip into it. You'll get it with time, but you want to come out of the flips in a way that leave you mid-rotation when your back is to the ground. Open yourself up at the point, and your momentum will carry you into the perfect sweeping landing." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He takes his stance, but doesn't draw his swords this time. He goes into Tempest again, letting Sokka watch him land this time without the distraction of the Material Blades. "It's tough, but when you master the landing, you're in a powerful position."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sitting back down on the bench, Toph sighs. Whatever lion thing Sokka is talking about is probably something with Lloyd's move, not that she can 'see' anything magical like that. When Sokka falls next, there's no softening of the ground, he might note. Toph sits still on the bench, merely observing the training.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Just wait until I find something to tease /you/ about, Angel Boy," Toph retorts to Lloyd, at least she's looking calm.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You need to balance a bit better before you jump," she offers helpfully, sticking her pinkie finger in her ear.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka nodded, listening to them both. He then took a slow, deep breath as he backed up. Then, once again he ran. He jumped into the air, blade out and circling, flipping in mid rotation as shown by Lloyd. <br><br> He came down hard, sword out, slashing in a diagonal landing and, while he didn't perfect the landing, he did far better. He fell down to one knee and he left himself a bit open as he tried to rebalance himself. But he didn't face plant. Sweat was beginning to form on his brow as he worked, though. "Woo. That move really takes it out of you, doesn't it? But... it's not so hard once you get used to it. Heh. I think the demon fang was easier though. Less telling gravity to leave me alone." <br><br> He then chuckled. "Really? Toph hasn't found anything to tease you about? She must not have known you very well."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd rolls his eyes, not that Toph can see it. "Right, right," he says, "I'm SURE you'll get some sort of chance." Fat chance there. "Ah, good observation. Make sure to push yourself up with your back leg." He has to give Sokka credit: Before he perfected the technique, he only performed it once a day to recover. "Yes, it's taxing until you're able to do it without thinking. Like all things, perfection comes with practice, and managing your stamina is key. One more tip, though. Don't fight gravity. Work WITH gravity. Let it do what it's going to do, and flow your body with it." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At Sokka's last statement, Lloyd blinks. "What do you mean?" he asks.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Huh, Sokka really did better, didn't he? Flicking some ear wax off from her finger, Toph grins in Sokka's direction. "Throw in another spin and you can dazzle your opponents, giving you enough time to recover after the jump to throw the boomerang at them!" she jokes. It's defintively good natured, however, and there's nothing but mischief to her expression.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So what if she doesn't have a lot to tease Lloyd about? "It's not like Lloyd and I have been hanging out a lot, you know. I mean, I came here to meet Gnome, deliver some metal... that's it. But..." Her expression turns serious where she sits, narrowing her eyes. "Keep on teasing me, and I'll pay it back tenfold. Understood?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka nodded and sheathed his sword. "R-right. Think I'm going to take a few minutes. Catch my breath. You should have seen me the first few... dozen tries I did with it. I almost broke my neck once. Luckily I did it over the training mats, so a lot softer on the landing." <br><br> He then paused. "Actually, that's not a bad idea! You know, I bet I could get like, some glitter balls I could release when I do it. Really throw off some razzle dazzle. They'll never see it coming." <br><br> He cocked an eye. "Really? Toph makes fun of EVERYONE! You should have seen her the first week we knew each other. 'Three verse three... plus sokka.' Though, I won't deny that one stung. And... who's gnome? Your pet?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The swordsman smirks over at Toph, shrugging. "I think I can take it, so I guess I have free reign," he says. "And, well, she doesn't have much material when it comes to me, Sokka. She... might now, after this much time, but somehow I don't think she'll come up with a whole lot." Was that a challenge? That might've been a challenge. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Sokka calls Gnome a pet. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The earth shakes violently around them, centered specifically on Sokka, and the Summon Spirit of Earth appears in a flash of light. An almost comical looking gopher creature with a red bow on its head and a shovel in his short arms, Gnome descends on Sokka with a clear intent. &lt;Who you callin' a pet, huh punk?!&gt; he says, before whacking Sokka on the head with his shovel. &lt;I am the Summon Spirit of Earth, kid, and don't you ever forget it. Next time I won't be hitting you with a shovel!&gt; He turns toward Toph afterward, offering a small dance. &lt;Oh hey, it's Toph! Still bending the best element, right? Earth forever!&gt;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No breaking your neck," Toph asides to Sokka while cleaning her fingernails. "It was tough as shit confessing to you, I don't wanna go through that shit again." Ugh, how do playboys and casanovas to through that all the time? Weirdos. Even weirder than Sokka and his glitter ideas.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ah, don't remind her about how she underestimated him back then...! Toph sighs. "Look, I'm sorry about that, I wasn't used to non-benders actually being strong! Heck, I had only fought small fry up until then, remember?" The question about Gnome is far more interesting.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This world has spirits, like ours. Except they are elemental spirits, and Gnome is the best one of course!" Want to take a guess to what kind of elemental spirit he is?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It seems like the ground has ears however, and Toph laughs when Gnome whacks Sokka on the head, leaning forward as she wraps one arm around her abdomen. When Gnome turns towards her she grins in greeting, offering a nod. "Like I'd ever want to be any other kind of bender! Sorry about that, he," she states, gesturing to Sokka, "hasn't been to this world before." But Sokka is one of the few people aside from Aang who has serious respect for the spirit world. Not that she can blame him for that.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka blinked. Then... "H-hey! I'm not a small fry!" Yes he was. "And yeally? You can't think of ANY strong non-benders?" he asked, glowering. <br><br> Then he yelped and nearly fell on his butt. And then BAM! On the head with a shovel! "OW!" He then glared up at it and... "Oh, great. A spirit." he paused, then sighed. "Great, more magic. So, you're the earth spirit of this world?" He chewed on his lip for a moment, then nodded. "Right. sorry for calling you a pet. I assumed with a name like gnome..." Pause. "Aaaaaanyway. So, you're a friend of Toph's, then? Wait, spirit of... so he can do the fancy earth bending too?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd chuckles. "Aww, and here I didn't think much intimidated Toph. Who would've thought confessing to a boy would be the undoing of the greatest earthbender of all time!" He takes an instinctive step backward, wincing as Sokka takes a shovel to the head. Gnome crosses his stubby arms, scoffing audibly. &lt;Yeah, well, alright. If you want me to forgive your boyfriend, I guess I can oblige!&gt; He raises his shovel to the sky, nodding triumphantly. &lt;That's right, shovelface! I'm the great Gnome, Summon Spirit of Earth. And, can I earthbend?&gt; He plunges his shovel into the ground, and the ground rumbles again. Out in the clearing where they had been practicing, a statue raises from the stone. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's an incredibly detailed effigy of Gnome hitting Sokka with his shovel. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;You better believe it, bud! Only one who can even compete is Toph, but I use magic I guess. So not really the same.&gt; His bow spins with excitement, and Lloyd walks over to the statue. "Gnome, this can't stay here," he says blankly. &lt;Oh, right, you train there. Picky, picky,&gt; the spirit replies. The statue slides across the dirt, moving to sit by Noishe's pen. &lt;There! Now we can all bask in its glory!&gt;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You got the Kyoshi warriors, and those two friends of Azula's," Toph shrugs casually where she sits. "I just hadn't met them yet at the time, you know?" There aren't many non-benders who would beat her. Or many benders for that matter. Even as Lloyd is stepping backwards Toph gestures slightly with her hand... and a small rock comes flying towards Lloyd's head from the side.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of course he can do fancy earth magic, why else would he be the Earth spirit?" It only makes sense. There's only the faintest blush when Gnome refers to Sokka in that manner, though she doesn't protest. Instead she looks greatly amused when Gnome creates the earthen statue, snickering. "Man, it looks just like you two!" she laughs, only to snort at Lloyd. "Really, you have no sense of good art when you see it." Luckily it's easy enough to move earth like that, and if Gnome hadn't done it she herself would have moved the statue to somewhere it can rest in peace. Like on the roof for all to see. "I missed you, Gnome! did you get the earth I send you for Christmas?" she asks. Of course he had to get a Christmas present just like Lloyd!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Also, don't hit him too much with your shovel," she adds and points to Sokka, "I kinda want his head intact. So does he, I guess."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka groaned and shook his head. "Oh my gosh. all this time I thought it was just a Toph thing. I guess all great earth benders are like that." He eyed the bow. Then glanced to Lloyd. A grin formed on his lips. "So, Lloyd. Is your earth bender crushing on you, too?" This time he'd be ready for the shovel, drawing his sword to parry it if need be! <br><br> "So, are there other spirits, or is this more like... guardian of the planet earth spirt, the one and only?" He kept his mouth shut about what he thought of THAT. And he gave the statue the dirtiest look. Ohhhh, someone was getting pouty.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;See, Sokka WOULD expect the shovel. Instead, Gnome gets creative and flicks his hand up. A pillar of earth erupts under Sokka, knocking him into the air and onto the roof. &lt;Your head full of rocks or something? Wait, no, it'd have to be air. Rocks aren't that stupid,&gt; Gnome says, crossing his arms. Lloyd smirks, then takes a rock to the head for his efforts. As he yelps and rubs the point of impact, he can't seem to help himself. "I bet you want his head intact," he says before he can stop himself. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In for a pebble, in for a boulder. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Nah, I'm just the best of the bunch. There's eight of us,&gt; the Spirit explains, &lt;Got one for every element. Fire, ice, light, dark, water, lightning, earth and... ugh, wind.&gt; Lloyd rolls his eyes. "Each element has its opposite, so Gnome and Sylph don't get along." Gnome shrugs. &lt;Eh, they're alright. They're cute enough, anyway.&gt; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd softly facepalms, shaking his head. Gnome claps and nods. &lt;Yep! Thanks! I've got it stored in my seal. I didn't know what to get you this year, so I helped Pointy over there with your bracelets.&gt;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think that Sokka's head is a mystery to us all," Toph says, all before her head snaps to the side, her expression going stern even as her cheek flares up to a lovely hue of red as Lloyd's comment reaches her ears. What follows is a kick to the ground, and the earth explodes underneath Lloyd, rocks and dust whirling up. "Be glad I don't yank you down into the ground this time!" she half-snarls at him, even as she crosses her arms across her chest. Hmph!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though when Gnome says that Lloyd was working on the bracelets along with Gnome, Toph blinks. "Wait... how long did you spend making these anyway...?" Did he start on them /before/ she even got to confess to Sokka or something? Oh man.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka just lays there a few moments, staring at the sky. Yeah, his mood was sufficiently darkened. Ugh, it was just like the last four years of his life. Gosh dang benders. He was not their toy to toss around! He just laid up there for a few minutes, before forcing a grin. Right. toph's friend. And Lloyds. No throwing a boomerang at the insanely powerful earth spirit. <br><br> He hopped down a moment later, landing on the ground. "What, wait? Sylph? Cute enough, you say?" he asked with a cheeky grin. "I bet he made them around the same time I started making your gift, Toph. At least, ifit was as obvious as everyone made it out to be."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gnome floats up to Sokka, looking at him curiously. &lt;Man, you're no fun. I thought you'd fight back!&gt; he says, then shrugs. &lt;Ah well. Nice to meetcha, bud!&gt; Lloyd blinks, then is immediately surrounded by dust and stone, falling over as the ground explodes under him. "Ow!" he says, pulling himself back to his feet. "So touchy." He considers asking Sokka's opinion on Toph's blush, but decides he would like to remain above ground. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Oh yeah,&gt; Gnome says, &lt;They're pretty cute, if you like wind I guess. Nothing like Celcius, though.&gt; There's a chill through the area, and Gnome shakes his head. &lt;Joking, joking! Hey, not here, Cels!&gt; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd dusts himself off, rolling his shoulders. "Well, I had the idea for them after you hit me with that plate," he says, nodding proudly. "It took me a long time to finish them, though, even with Gnome's help. Not to mention all the other work I had to do in between, of course." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Sokka comes back to the ground, Lloyd smiles. "Oh wow, I forgot about that gift. That was a clever idea, still have to say."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Since Sokka isn't getting up Toph gestures towards the earth there, helping Sokka to his feet. "Well, it was obvious to anyone but you. And it's not like they knew we would end up together or something," she shrugs, trying to act casual about it. Oh right, the plate incident. "When you guys first recruited us, huh?" That's when Lloyd figured it out if she recalls. Talk about optimist if he thought that she and Sokka would become a couple after only seeing them together once!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the chill goes through the area Toph shudders a bit. "No cold, please! I had enough with that at the South Pole! Sokka is the one who likes ice!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The gift that Sokka got her is still resting in her room aboard the Ad Coelum. A really nice gift, and not to mention special, something that only she can fully appreciate. With her bending and all, able to see what's on the inside of it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka shrugged. "Eh. I learned long ago not to try fighting over confident earth benders unless I'm sure I can win. It just eggs them on otherwise. How do you think I survived long enough to date the world's greatest?" Ohhh, just slide that compliment in there!<br><br> "Really? Planning it that long? Was it really that obvious she had feelings for me? How did I miss them? I must have been blind." Pause. "I couldn't SEE anything," he said with a big, wide grin aimed at Toph. <br><br> He walked over and put an arm around Toph. "Don't worry. If the cold comes, I'll keep you warm. I won't let you drown or anything, I promise."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd chuckles. "Celcius isn't to be trifled with, Gnome. She's too cool for your shenanigans," he says. Which earns him a smack from the shovel as well. Lloyd just can't seem to keep his mouth shut, huh? As Sokka moves to put an arm around Toph, Gnome shakes his head and flies up. &lt;Yeah, I'm outta here,&gt; he says, fading away, &lt;See ya later, kids!&gt; And with that, the Spirit is gone as fast as he arrived. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd shrugs. "Seemed pretty obvious to me. I mean, it was either that or she had a secret boyfriend, so I had a fifty fifty shot at it." He smirks, then stretches, closing his eyes. "Oh man," he says after a moment, "I didn't see those puns coming." He had to. As Sokka puts an arm around Toph and says what he does, Lloyd lets out an involuntary 'awwww!' and turns away. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, training's done for the day, Sokka. I don't want to push you too hard on Tempest quite yet. And, well, we might see if you can use Beast next. You thought you wouldn't be able to use Demon Fang, and look how that turned out!" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He turns back to face them, smirking. "Now, unless you guys want to help me with another present, I'm going to be heading back into the forge. I have a big project I'm working on for someone." Sokka might notice that Lloyd looks completely exhausted despite his upbeat nature, and Toph might notice that his rhythms seem off all of a sudden. "I hope you like those, by the way," he says after a moment, gesturing toward the bracelets, "I know it's not much, but I am really happy for you both."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The puns from Sokka earns a long groan as Toph rolls her eyes. "Now you're just stealing /my/ jokes!" No rocks are sent in his direction however, not even as he moves on over and puts his arm around her. All she gives is a slight pout... until she allows herself to lean into him a bit. "You'd better not let me drown if you know what's best for you, Meat Head." No comment about him saying he'll keep her warm, however. It's a bit strange with Gnome saying he'll be off at that, but Toph nods, giving the Earth spirit a nod. "Catch you later, buddy."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A secret boyfriend...? "Like I would ever have that," Toph snorts. "Not that you need to babble about us, that is," she adds. If people know, it's no biggie. There's just no need for there to be an announcement or anything. Don't think she didn't hear that 'awww', Lloyd! It's a good thing he turns away however, and Toph lets out a sigh of relief... and then kisses Sokka briefly on the cheek since nobody can see it. The training is over, so it's time to head on to the Ad Coelum, isn't it?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Eh, I can help you out at the forge another time," Toph says with a shrug. "You should probably go rest, you seem tired." The last comment about the bracelets though, that makes Toph nod a bit, not blushing that much. "... thanks." For believing in that silly crush of hers, even if he /did/ tease her a lot about it. "Let's go!" she asides to Sokka, holding onto his arm as she aims to drag him with her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1076|Sokka (1076)}} has posed:'''<br>Sokka grinned, then glanced to Lloyd. "Oh? What are you working on?" he asked. "Want a hand? You know I'm always down for some blacksmithing. unless you'd rather we get out of your way?" And then dragged off. "Well, I guess that answers that!" he said with a laugh. Then soon started jogging to keep up with her. <br><br> "So, I haven't been to this world very often. How about..." And suddenly he scooped her off her feet! "I take you out to dinner. My treat. Anything your heart desires. As long as no spirits join in. Okay?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:373|Lloyd Irving (373)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lloyd would answer, but Toph seems to have gotten the point. Or maybe she just wanted to go do something else. Either way, Lloyd waves the couple off. "I can handle it. You two have fun, alright?" He smiles and waves, then turns back into his forge. Once he makes sure the door is closed... <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He collapses to the ground, body no longer able to support itself. Looks like he's sleeping on the forge floor tonight. On the center table is what Lloyd seemed to be working on: a massive hammer. Who could that be for?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sorry Sokka, but it seems that Toph has decided that Lloyd should rest for the rest of the day, which means that it's time to go!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Lloyd calls after them Toph raises her hand to wave. "We're gonna grab some food, Sokka always likes tha-- HEY!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What's with Sokka and scooping her up? A sigh leaves Toph, but she doesn't fight it, instead letting Sokka carry her. "Okay, I want something with meat and cheese. Cheeseburger or something..." If they don't have that in this world, then they can surely find it on the Ad Coelum!<br> <br>
}}